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[Adrian]

Is Slo Poke the exception that proves the rule?



I have followed some of the work you have been putting in or having done on Slo Poke, and it demonstrates a lot more care and attention than the idiots who have been listing botched bikes on ebay seem capable of. Whether it's a serious custom Bullet project (of ANY description), or a full-blown, ground-up restoration of (eg) a basket-case Interceptor dragged out of some barn in the USA, a labour of love will normally never recoup the £££ spent achieving it. The fact that you are also riding and seriously enjoying your bike further suggests you're not one of the hack it and flog it brigade about whom RoSy initially complained, but might actually be planning on keeping it for the long run, pardon the pun.



Can we tell the difference between a committed enthusiast and a would-be fast buck merchant who has spotted a band-wagon? I think so, even if we're not all keen on chopped frames. Or cafe racers/street scramblers/trials conversions/flat trackers/boring standard bikes, etc...



A.

[Adrian]

Sorry Mark, you beat me to the post! A.

[Mark M]

Adrian, that example of the rebuild of the basket case Interceptor dragged from a barn in the USA is a pretty accurate description of me but you left out the puzzlement, hair tearing, head banging and bruised muscles required to get it on the road! I will (I promise,) get some pictures of it up soon as well as the long running Ebay Bullet rebuild which is a bike in completely the opposite style. Ultimately bikes are for riding not just looking at, as it's going to be an ok weekend, let's get out there!

REgards, Mark

[vince]

Hi, Bobbers are at least practical, unlike the later choppers! just a query, how do you get around the law regarding mudguards? I remember an article about Rickman cafe racers in the 70's where the front mudguard was deemed illegal because it did not cover the tyre width. Vince.

[Count Johnny]

Apparently Lucky Eddie

Yes. As the Bullet Whisperer would testify, the cropped rear mudguard does give you something of a plastering from behind – but nothing like the plastering you get, from the front, if you run through cow sh*t!



Adrian

Thanks. And vive la difference.



Vince

Again, as the Bullet Whisperer would testify, Slo Poke could hardly be described as practical, for he’s very, very, low (a couple of inches from the ground, when stood upright) and has a fair amount of rake (very low but with standard length fork legs (about 35 degrees)) so would like to run in a straight line (no hands, in the sea) all day long, but needs some muscling in tighter bends.



I’ve recently improved all of that, greatly, by getting the high level exhaust made – because, before then, even moderate right hand bends were the cause of much grinding, spark making and clutch slipping in first gear, at roundabouts - but Slo Poke will never be easy to ride. And that’s a part of the fun.



As for the front mudguard. As I’m sure you know, it isn’t an MOT requirement – although, ironically, Ken makes me fit one for my MOT (it’s his ‘thing’) – but it IS a legal requirement.



However, beyond Ken, I do plenty of pretty loud miles (a significant number in my home town of inner London) and receive zero attention from the Plod.



Maybe it’s because Slo Poke Looks kinda ‘vintage’, so they’re not sure what to do with it?

[Bullet Whisperer]

I will add, having ridden Slo Poke myself, that it handles well, but lacks a bit of ground clearance - you don't even need to use the prop stand, just get off and the footrests hold him up !! Loads more class here than your run of the mill Bullet 'Bobber', though. Still not my cup of tea, though - especially in the wet !!! But each to their own and as I have already mentioned, it is all these '1965' machines that get my goat. Regards, Paul.

[Mark M]

I just re-read the posts earlier and in case there's any ambiguity I repeat, I really like Slo Poke and what Count Johnny has done. When I said his bike is the exception that tests the rule I meant that his bike shows all that is individual and creative in a custom build rather than the "me too" bobbers that seem to crop up so often. And I also echo BW's point that there are plenty of suitable donor bikes out there! Now I must get back to cobbling this 55 Bullet together so I can pass it off at the next hipster custom show as an "oily ragger" if that's a thing!

REgards, Mark

[Chris [Stockport]]

Does it work like homoeopathy.... Get down to just one iron filing from a Bullet and it's worth millions...

[Scalyback]

let's sum up... Slo Poke has class. should be in a class by himself, not grouped together with bobbers, even if he resembles one.

[Count Johnny]

Now I'm blushing!